Boston University

Date: Nov 02 2012
Major: Education (This Major's Salary over time)
I grew up a Boston local, and always figured on attending school here in Massachusetts. BU seemed a good fit for me, as I was persuing a degree in education, but felt that a private university could offer challanges and opportunities a state school could not. After four years here, I can honestly say I would not recommend Boston University to my friends. My issues lie in how students are treated. At every opportunity, it seems the university has exhibited its interest only in one thing: money. I understand tuition costs are rising universally, but while financial aid is only given to a minority of students, new (and completely pointless) facilities are springing up around campus. Schools within the university (at least the schools without healthy donations by alumni) are underfunded and understaffed. Advisors are typically useless, as there is more red tape in the university than could be found in all of capitol hill. Class sizes are large, which is only excusable thanks to the masses of grad-student TA's that prove very useful.

There are nice aspects about BU. It has an excellent location (as long as the Sox aren't playing) and the degree you walk away with will be worth quite a bit. Being a hockey fan, the BU Mens (and womens) hockey teams are excellent sources of entertainment and school pride. However, these positive aspects are overshadowed by the glaring gaps in student support. Student Health Services (SHS) at BU is a joke. I contracted Swine Flu my freshman year, and having chronic lung issues put me at high risk. SHS told me I should stay in my room, with my roommate, and they would see my sometime in the next week. Whenever a student shows signs of severe depression, they suffer the risk of being forcefully removed from the university as they are seen as a liability.

I know it may be a bit naive of me to assume that a university ought to take care of its students, and I am sure BU is not the worst university at this task. However, for paying a small fortune, I would say you are not getting your money's worth.

Go to Northeastern. It's cheaper, they actually help you gain work experience, and there you're a little more than the $60,000 you pay each year.